Designing for Prefabrication

A key difference between prefabrication and modular, as highlighted by DPR Construction at the recent BIMForum conference, is the amount of planning needed for each. Prefabrication requires planning, but it is highly flexible and doesn’t necessarily require a specific design.

Not all buildings and designs are opportunities for all prefabrication solutions, so teams need to evaluate designs carefully. It is important for teams to look for the solutions that fit the project – rather than trying to fit the project to specific solutions.

Modular, however, does require specific design – something we saw clearly on the recently completed Chelsea Place Apartments.